Let's face it, veterinary medicine as a profession, has failed in the area of helping overweight dogs! How many times have I heard other vets (and I've likely said it myself a time or two early in my career, before I knew better) tell the owners of overweight dogs: feed him less and exercise more. As if the answer to one of America's biggest (no pun intended) problems, that of excess weight, was that easily fixed. How frustrating! And not even slightly helpful! And then there's those that recommend a prescription diet, which is better than giving the above advice, but still doesn't fix the problem for many people. Prescription diets can be expensive, challenging to feed in homes with multiple pets, and not always the best option for every pet as every dog is an individual.
So, what's the key to success if its not eat less, exercise more? Its recognizing that there's a lot more that plays a factor here than just overeating. In fact, it usually involves eating too much of the wrong type of food, eating at the wrong times, not eating at the right times, not to mention the emotional factors! Studies have shown that cats will eat out of boredom just as people do! And sugar. Don't get me started on sugar. Tastes great. The list of pros ends right there. The list of cons goes on and on. (Too late, you got me started!) Clinical studies show that sugar acts like a drug on the brain. It interrupts the normal appetite control mechanisms. Yes, I'm still talking about pets (although its true for people as well). But let's save the topic of sugar for another day before I get too riled up!
If you want your dog to lose fat, gain muscle, live longer, be healthier, have fewer diseases, less pain, and have to go to the vet less then let's take a few minutes to actually review what's going into your dog's body. Not sure where to start? This blog is a good place( and you already found it!) I want to personally congratulate all those who have sought me out to help them learn how to help their four legged friend. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and helping your pet!
So, what's the key to success if its not eat less, exercise more? Its recognizing that there's a lot more that plays a factor here than just overeating. In fact, it usually involves eating too much of the wrong type of food, eating at the wrong times, not eating at the right times, not to mention the emotional factors! Studies have shown that cats will eat out of boredom just as people do! And sugar. Don't get me started on sugar. Tastes great. The list of pros ends right there. The list of cons goes on and on. (Too late, you got me started!) Clinical studies show that sugar acts like a drug on the brain. It interrupts the normal appetite control mechanisms. Yes, I'm still talking about pets (although its true for people as well). But let's save the topic of sugar for another day before I get too riled up!
If you want your dog to lose fat, gain muscle, live longer, be healthier, have fewer diseases, less pain, and have to go to the vet less then let's take a few minutes to actually review what's going into your dog's body. Not sure where to start? This blog is a good place( and you already found it!) I want to personally congratulate all those who have sought me out to help them learn how to help their four legged friend. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and helping your pet!
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